IRELAND. Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin has been presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Aviation Industry’ award at the annual Aviation Industry Awards in Dublin.
McLoughlin was recognised for his “extraordinary achievements over five decades and in particular for his role at the helm of Dubai Duty Free over the past 35 years”, the panel of judges said.
As reported, McLoughlin recently celebrated his 50th anniversary in the duty free industry, and is considered the driving force behind Dubai Duty Free’s US$2 billion business.
He also delivered the keynote speech at the Aviation Industry Awards, which was held on 12 July and attracted more than 300 senior aviation executives. The event launched in 2014 with the aim of being the benchmark for excellence for those demonstrating best practice and innovation in the aviation sector in Ireland.
In his speech, McLoughlin extended his thanks to the organisers of the awards and to the judges and said: “I am thrilled to be honoured in this way by the aviation sector in Ireland. I began my duty free career in Shannon Airport, so this means a lot to me to be recognised in my home country.
“As always, I fully recognise the support that I get from our terrific team of staff at Dubai Duty Free who do a great job in running our operation. I am also extremely thankful for the support that I receive from our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is a superstar.
“We have just recently concluded two of our major sponsorships in Ireland, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, both of which were a great success and which generated extensive media coverage for our brand. The fact that the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open took place in Lahinch this year, which is close to Shannon Airport where the duty free industry began, made it special. Also, my wife Breeda is from County Clare, so that made it extra special.”
Previous recipients of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Aviation Industry’ award include Willie Walsh, Domhnall Slattery and the late Dr. Tony Ryan.
Shannon Duty Free was among the companies recognised in this year’s awards, along with Aer Lingus, Avolon, Stobart Air, and George Best Belfast City Airport.
